Harvard Coop

The selection is quite good, but I have a problem with Universities selling themselves like they were corporate entities. This is made distinctly evident at the Coop, where sweaters run the mile along with other $100 merchandise--and anything else you buy is strictly for the name. Better places.

Posted 01/25/08 | Report Abuse

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If you're just looking to buy some books, I would skip the Coop and head over to Harvard Bookstore, just a few blocks away. However, if you're an MIT, Harvard, or Wheelock affiliate, you can get a Coop card for a nominal fee that will refund you a percentage of what you spend at the end of the year. Prices might still end up cheaper at other stores. The best part of the Coop is the 3rd floor, where Harvard students purchase their books for courses. I could browse here all day. Books for each course are grouped together and courses are grouped by department. A great way to add to your reading list.

Posted 09/05/06 | Report Abuse

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The Coop is for those who go to Harvard, and those who wish they went Harvard. The bookstore has all the books you'd expect, at the normal prices, along with a cafe on the second floor. Sweatshirts and T-shirts aren't cheap. In fact, you don't have to be an economics major to realize there are better deals elsewhere. Lots and lots of mugs and glasses available here

Posted 11/22/05 | Report Abuse

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I like the Harvard Coop alot its not just a book store for if you go to Harvard. I have been there many times and enjoy going in there and seeing the new things they have got in. They have all kinds of books educational and general reading. They also have Boston and Harvard shirts and sweatshirts. Greeting cards, they are a nice book store and have more than just books.

Posted 10/23/05 | Report Abuse

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Who hasn't bought something at The Coop? I'll readily admit it. I went to Yale, and even I have bought stuff there. Granted, I was taking a class at Harvard at the time, but I'd go back again. You'll find all your standard collegiate gear like sweatshirts and keychains along with books galore. Plus, you'll get a check at the end of the year, since it's a cooperative. Just make sure you don't say "co-op", because it's really the "coop".

Posted 09/23/05 | Report Abuse

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The Harvard COOP is a pretty large store in Harvard Square. It is not your typical bookstore although it may appear so, in the first place.

This is because there is a main store and an annex. The main store sells a lot of books and looks really nice. There is a coffeeshop, book reading section, and etc. The annex is by the side and sells all the Harvard merchandise.

On the third floor of the annex, you can buy textbooks. This is the place where Harvard students get their textbooks at the beginning of the term.

Posted 09/15/05 | Report Abuse

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Centrally located in the middle of Harvard Square, this multi-story bookstore looks and feels great. It has every type of book and lots of Harvard paraphernalia, and is fun just to browse when there is time to spare. Its aura just seems to be a lot nicer than the MIT Coop a couple miles away.

Posted 08/11/05 | Report Abuse

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The COOP is a staple of Harvard Square, and is the mecca for all things Harvard-related. The number and variety of Harvard insignia items sold here is mind-boggling, and unrivaled by other stores nearby. However, the coop is also quite expensive. But it also has a very nice seleciton of books, and a nice coffee shop.

Posted 07/17/05 | Report Abuse

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The Coop is separated into several buildings and so it has a huge selections of books and Harvard gear. Even bigger than the typical bookstore and has all the textbooks you could ever want.

Posted 07/16/05 | Report Abuse

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The Harvard Coop and its counterpart the MIT Coop are overpriced. Buy your text books on http://amazon.com and your pencils from CVS or an art store. I suppose if you really have to have that Harvard sweatshirt or that MIT coffee mug you could make use of this store. It is conveniently located though and Harvard and MIT students can join to get some cash savings.

BUT the Harvard Coop does have the best selection of academic books you will find anywhere in the area. Looking for some theoretical mathbooks, yes they've got a good selection. What about that computational linguistics blah blah, yep that too.

And my personal favorite, the wall of architecture books and monographs. Best selection in town, hands down. But pricey. Good for browsing, not for buying.

PROS: conveniently located, sells school merchandise, textbooks, academic books
CONS: everything costs too much

Posted 07/09/05 | Report Abuse

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There's a great selection at the co-op...it's a bit messy and the store layout can feel overwhelming, but the staff is helpful and there's no doubt they have what you're looking for

Posted 07/02/05 | Report Abuse

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This bookstore has several floors, which are accessible by stairs or elevator. It is a little cramped on the street level, because of the tables of books in the center aisle. It is very attractive, always busy, and has a large selection. The staff is helpful. Overall I always enjoy coming to this store. Seats are provided for those who want to browse and linger. I highly recommend this store.

PROS: convenient location, large selection, attractive appearance.
CONS: frequently gets too crowded.

Posted 06/19/05 | Report Abuse

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The Coop is a Barnes n' Noble in disguise, and the bookstore suffers all of the organization and maintenence problems that forced me out of B&N a few years ago: the shelves are difficult to navigate, the books are often poorly stocked (big holes on some shelves, over-stuffed in others), crowd control is a big problem, and the staff often seem inexperienced and bewildered. If all you're looking for is books, go to Harvard Book Store down the street. What I'll say for the Coop is, it's great if you need to kill two or more birds with one stone, being also a store for College textbooks, Harvard-insignia clothing, makeup, computer accessories, school supplies, and dorm room furnishings. So, while I wouldn't say that my shopping experiences there have ever been pleasant, it's definitely very functional and sometimes, sadly, indispensible.

Posted 06/14/05 | Report Abuse

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Though I can't say that I enjoy the huge crowds that tend to frequent this bookstore, I have to acknowledge the extensive selection. The cafe seems to have some tasty items (though I have yet to partake in any) and the prices aren't anything outlandish. It's a fun place to visit and good place to pick up a great book.

Posted 06/08/05 | Report Abuse

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The readings brought to town by the Coop are the best in the Boston area. The subjects and authors are varied, so that every interest is taken care of. The selection is fantastic, the staff is helpful and knowledgeable, and the sales are great.

Posted 06/04/05 | Report Abuse

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This is one bookstore that has everything you need a lot of stuff you don't! This is the place to go for textbooks of course and reading packets (which cost a fortune). Also a the best place to get harvard apparel. The unversity bookstore is also attached to a more Borders type bookstore, which has 4 or 5 levels. Also has a great cafe with Starbucks products where you can sit and read without being interrupted.

PROS: One-stop shopping for textbooks
CONS: Not exactly cheap

Posted 05/24/05 | Report Abuse

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If you are one of the hords of tourists that walk through Harvard Yard and take pictures with John Harvard's statue (not really him) or a proud parent of a Harvard student, or heck, even a Harvard student yourself, the Coop is indispensable. Sure the books are overpriced, the Harvard insignia items are overpriced, the restroom is small, and the separate-building structure is confusing. But where else on campus can one find stuffed animals saying "Some bunny loves you from Harvard" and the Veritas symbol on the most improbable of items and decent coffee AND lots of books in one place?

If you have time though, I would recommend Harvard Store on JFK street for Harvard stuff and Harvard Bookstore for MUCH better books.

Posted 05/24/05 | Report Abuse

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Really friendly staff, he let me return a sweater that I bought in the store (I found one cheaper at the store down the street), very helpful too, told me about signing up for the card and save even more. The store has all the essentials for a student and good deals on small dorm items.

Posted 04/07/05 | Report Abuse

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The Coop (rhymes with hoop), or Harvard Cooperative Society, is a student-oriented college bookstore. You'll find Harvard insignia merchandise, stationery, prints, and posters. As at BU, Barnes & Noble runs the book operation. A wide range of books is available for infants to young adults in the Coop for Kids section, shelved according to type or category. If you're looking for "The Cat in the Hat," check out the Dr. Seuss section; you'll come across shelves dedicated to pop-up, poetry, ABC's, and various other books. They have two "story times" per week which is free and open to the public.

Posted 03/23/05 | Report Abuse

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